Bihar Assembly Election 2025: Setback for INDIA Bloc as JMM to Contest Independently, Hints at ‘reviewing alliance’ in Jharkhand

By Correspondent On Oct 18, 2025

Bihar Assembly Election 2025: Amid disputes over the seat-sharing formula, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has announced that it will contest the upcoming Bihar assembly election independently. This major setback for the Mahagathbandhan has shocked the inner circles of the RJD and Congress. The move could fragment opposition votes in border constituencies, benefiting the NDA, i.e., the BJP-JD(U) coalition. JMM also hinted at a post-poll “review” of its Jharkhand coalition with Congress and RJD, highlighting deeper strains within the INDIA bloc.

Why is JMM contesting independently in Bihar polls?

Bihar Assembly Election 2025: Addressing a presser on Saturday, JMM general secretary Supriyo Bhattacharya revealed that his party will contest six seats in Bihar. He also added that the number may go up to 10 as JMM is still “discussing the matter”.

“The party has decided to contest the Bihar polls on its own. It will contest six assembly seats – Chakai, Dhamdaha, Katoria (ST), Manihari (ST), Jamui and Pirpainti (SC),” Bhattacharya said.

JMM to go Solo in Bihar Elections- Key Details!

JMM will field candidates in Chakai, Dhamdaha, Katoria (ST), Manihari (ST), Jamui, and Pirpainti (SC)—all in the second phase (November 11). These are border or tribal-reserved seats where JMM has organisational presence from Jharkhand.
Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren, including his wife Kalpana Soren, Basant Soren, and leaders like Stephen Marandi and Sarfaraj Ahmed, will lead the fight
JMM’s general secretary Supriyo Bhattacharya, indicated the tally could rise to 10 seats— a strategy to “fight, win, and ensure no government forms without JMM.”

Why Is JMM Going Solo? Core Reasons

JMM is leaving because the INDIA bloc could not agree on how to share seats. The party feels the process was unfair and delayed. The new move by JMM could heat up with fresh fissures in the opposition INDIA bloc. JMM won the Jharkhand assembly in 2024 with Congress and RJD.

JMM has announced its list of 20 “star campaigners” for the elections, including its president and Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, his wife and Gandey MLA Kalpana Soren, Dumka legislator Basant Soren, and senior party leaders Stephen Marandi and Sarfaraj Ahmed.

Bihar Assembly Elections 2025

The Bihar Assembly Election will be held in two phases on November 6 and November 11, with votes to be counted on November 14. More than 1,250 candidates filed their nomination papers for the 121 seats as the first phase of Assembly polls concluded on Friday, according to the Election Commission.